KALAMAZOO, MI — Rep. Fred Upton and Mike O’Brien, his challenger for the 6th District congressional race, will meet for their first debate on Monday.

The candidates will debate at 7 p.m. Oct. 8 in Room 3512 Knauss Hall at Western Michigan University. Knauss Hall is north of Sprau Tower near the Miller Auditorium fountain. The debate is open to the public, but audience members are asked to refrain from bringing any political paraphernalia that could be distracting.

MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette and WMUK 102.1 FM would like to know what you would ask the candidates, who are vying for votes in the Nov. 6 election to represent the Southwest Michigan district that covers Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties and most of Allegan County.

The candidates have said they will answer questions on a variety of issues, but expect at least question each regarding the economy, energy and health care. In debates earlier this year between Upton and Jack Hoogendyk, his Republican primary component key points of debate were jobs, spending, bipartisanship. What do you think about those issues this time around? How would you like to see the discussion expanded?

Upton is the 13-term Republican congressman, who last year stepped into a key leadership role in Congress as chair of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. He used that role to oppose President Barack Obama’s health-care reform measure and other initiatives from the White House. He has been a major proponent of the Keystone XL Pipeline. He is known for his bi-partisan efforts and last year served on the so-called “super committee” of Democrats and Republicans, that was charged with trimming the federal deficit, but which ultimately failed to deliver a plan to do so.

Facing off against the veteran politician is political neophyte O’Brien, who has energized the local Democratic party. A former U.S. Marine, O’Brien, who has also worked in the wind industry and organic farming before taking his current job with furniture maker Herman Miller. Although he has no political experience, O’Brien has raised $100,000. Dave Pawlowski, chairman of the Kalamazoo County Democratic Party, said “Mike is the best candidate we’ve had in a long time.”

The candidates will hold a second debate on Oct. 23 in Buchanan. That debate will be hosted by the League of Women Voters.

What questions do you have for the candidates? Feel free to leave them below in the comment section, or feel free to email them to lmah@mlive.com.